I recently had the opportunity to work with Mala Prayer and I jumped at the chance. With the 30 Day Meditation Challenge, I have been experimenting in my meditation practice and working with mala beads was a technique I wanted to implement. Mala Prayer’s are beautiful, afforable, and help support a good cause. As stated on their website, “With every purchase made we help enrich the lives of women entrepreneurs by providing them with access to money to invest in their business, homes and community through micro-finance loans.” I am down with that.

I took my time scrolling through their website and chose two malas – Aksha and Dhumra. Aksha is made of howlite, polished agate, and a white tassel, while Dhumra also has agate but with a black tassel. When they arrived, I was taken aback at how beautiful they were. Both are well made and a perfect weight – not too heavy as can happen with stones, but still have some body and power to them.

I did a little unboxing on my Instagram stories and I was immediately asked how I chose them. I would like to start by saying there is no right or wrong way, but here is how I do it.

I have purchased malas from both stores and online, and while each setting provides a slightly different experience, I still follow these steps.

First, take an overall look at everything. I like to start by giving everything a once over, no matter the environment. That could mean walking around the entire store or looking through every page on the website.

Notice what draws your eye. After you’ve seen it all, acknowledge which malas hold your attention. Don’t question why just yet. Go through everything again and open new tabs or pull them off the display. Follow your instinct.

Learn what the stones mean. As you go with your gut, that could be because of aesthetic preferences or simply a feeling you get when you look at it. Do that, but then take the time to learn what the stones or seeds are and what they mean. More often than not, when we follow our intuition, we are led to exactly what we need.

I initially chose these two malas because of the color palette, which compliments my personal style, but their meanings are spot on. The combination of the stones of the Aksha mala create calmness, especially for those with an overactive mind (hello, me). The Dhumra mala, which has the same stone in a different form, is believed to improve mental functions and provide balance of the ying and yang energies (hello, also me). Balance is something I am constantly striving for, and part of my motivation for getting back into a regular meditation practice has been for overall peace.

If the stones of the mala you choose does not resonate with you, then perhaps reevaluate. Ask someone for crystal recommendations or do your own research online. What do you feel you need, or hope to manifest?

Another aspect to consider is what do you want to use your mala for? Simply as jewelry? Or as an aid in your meditation? There is no wrong answer, and it could be both. However, I think it’s important to think about because that might change your perspective. While we don’t want to admit it, aesthetics might warrant more weight in your decision so that you will actually want to wear it or use it often.

What appeals to you might, and probably will, change over time. Follow your heart in that moment. Don’t think about what past you would have liked, or what future you will want. What do you need now? Go with that. Malas will always be around and you can swap them in and out as your journey shifts and you grow.

That’s pretty much it! I am thrilled with my malas and can’t wait to add them as a regular component in my meditation practice. If you want to start searching for your own, go to Mala Prayer’s website and use my code MADISONBEST20 for 20% off your order! Have fun!